Hadith #10711

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of showing favor and kindness to those who are weak and vulnerable in society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) instructs us to prioritize the well-being and protection of the weak, and to act in accordance with the truth. Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (ahzay) "أحْظَي", which means

the person who enjoys your favor the most.

This word highlights the significance of favor and benevolence towards others. It implies that we should extend our kindness and support to those who appreciate and value it the most.

The next crucial word is (ahwathuhum) "أحْوَطُهُمْ", which means "most protective." This word emphasizes the need to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the weak and vulnerable members of society. It calls upon us to take on the responsibility of ensuring their well-being and protection.

The third significant word is (ad-du'afa) "الضُّعَفَاءِ", which means "the weak." This word encompasses various categories of individuals who may be physically, emotionally, or socially vulnerable. It includes the poor, the oppressed, the orphans, the widows, and all those who are in need of support and assistance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to act in accordance with the truth. This means that our actions should be guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and righteousness. We should strive to align our behavior with the teachings of Islam and the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and reinforce the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of caring for the weak and vulnerable members of society. In Surah Al-Hajj, verse 41, Allah says,

Those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of all matters.

This verse highlights the responsibility of those in positions of authority to establish justice and promote righteousness.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 36, Allah says,

And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

This verse highlights the various categories of individuals who deserve our kindness and support, including orphans, the needy, and our neighbors.

The exegesis of this Hadith reminds us of the importance of compassion, justice, and protection for the weak and vulnerable members of society. It encourages us to prioritize their well-being and act in accordance with the truth. By doing so, we not only fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims but also contribute to the establishment of a just and equitable society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying the teachings of this Hadith and enable us to be a source of support and protection for the weak.